The Carpool Podcast with Kelly and Liz: Episode Summary
Episode Title: LIZZ IS MAKING HERSELF INDISPENSABLE
Release Date: February 18, 2025
Introduction and Setting the Tone
In this lively episode of The Carpool Podcast with Kelly and Liz, hosts Kelly Stumpe and Lizz St. John delve into a variety of topics ranging from personal growth and influencer marketing to the latest trends in the auto industry. The sisters maintain their signature blend of humor and sisterly banter, making the conversation both engaging and relatable for listeners.
Making Content Go Viral
The episode kicks off with Kelly and Liz reminiscing about their recent podcast episodes and the excitement of seeing their content clipped by others. Liz shares her newfound aspiration to make their audio go viral:
Liz [01:25]: "I now have a new dream that I want my audio to go viral and be a viral sound. That's like a dream I never knew I had until I saw it."
Kelly encourages this ambition, emphasizing the power of shared content:
Kelly [02:14]: "I'm committing to liking every day in the life that uses that audio. I'm committing."
The sisters brainstorm ways to increase their podcast's visibility, highlighting the importance of community engagement and consistent content creation.
Skechers and Fashion Trends
Shifting gears, Kelly expresses her enthusiasm for Skechers, hoping the brand will experience a resurgence similar to New Balance or Crocs:
Kelly [03:26]: "I think Skechers has the market share on the comfort on the kids, but I want it to be the new Birkenstock. Like, I want the Gen Z to get a hold of it and just propel it to the moon."
Liz agrees, noting the brand's potential despite past challenges:
Liz [04:15]: "It feels like it should be done by them by now. Just because of the ugly shoe trends that they've had and the ironic shoe trends that have been in the Gen Z. Skechers has yet to make a comeback."
Energy Drinks and Clean Simple Eats
The conversation transitions to energy drinks, with both hosts advocating for healthier alternatives. They introduce Clean Simple Eats, a favorite brand, discussing its benefits and sharing a promotional code:
Liz [05:14]: "Their protein powder is always grass-fed with no seed oils or artificial ingredients. Third-party tested, non-GMO, and gluten-free."
Kelly highlights the practical applications of these products in their daily lives, especially for their children’s nutrition.
Personal Growth: Learning New Skills
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to Liz's decision to enhance her skills by taking an online photography class:
Liz [06:57]: "I just thought it would be a good idea for me to take a class. And they're gonna tell me all about what camera I should get and how to use it and lighting and post-production and angles."
Kelly is inspired by Liz's initiative and contemplates her own educational pursuits:
Kelly [07:39]: "I think everyone should make a day in the life."
This segment underscores the hosts' commitment to personal and professional development, encouraging listeners to pursue their own interests and skills.
Influencer Marketing and the Poppy Controversy
Kelly and Liz delve into the recent controversy surrounding the soda brand Poppy, which sent expensive vending machines to influencers, sparking backlash:
Liz [10:58]: "Poppy sent these poppy vending machines to influencers' homes. They're like $25,000 each, and they're getting a lot of backlash because it's like, why did you send this to people who already have a lot of money?"
Kelly critiques the marketing strategy, questioning the practicality of gifting such high-value items to influencers:
Kelly [13:15]: "It's a weird stunt because vending machines aren't for one person. Like, what are you gonna do with it?"
The discussion highlights the fine line brands must navigate in influencer partnerships, balancing visibility with authenticity and practicality.
Auto Industry News
Moving into industry news, Kelly and Liz discuss several hot topics:
2026 Hyundai Palisade Redesign
Kelly expresses mixed feelings about the upcoming redesign of the Hyundai Palisade, criticizing its aesthetics while acknowledging the introduction of a powerful turbocharged hybrid engine:
Kelly [21:35]: "I think the 2025s Hyundai Palisade are some of the best-looking cars out there right now. And I think the 26 looks overdesigned."
Liz offers a counterpoint, appreciating the interior design despite reservations about the exterior:
Liz [23:16]: "This interior is quite stunning, though."
Stellantis' Marketing Strategies
The hosts analyze Stellantis' recent marketing moves, particularly their Super Bowl commercial featuring actor Glen Powell:
Kelly [25:14]: "According to Car Gurus, in the eight minutes before the commercial aired versus the eight minutes after, Ram saw a 375% increase in views on VI vehicle pages for both new and used models."
Liz points out the effectiveness of leveraging popular figures to boost brand visibility:
Liz [27:08]: "He was just in Twisters. That was a good get. Drives a Ram 1500. We're Ram people."
They also discuss Stellantis' sales challenges and the impact of discontinuing certain models, emphasizing the complexities of maintaining market share in a competitive industry.
Quick and Easy Recipes: Ditch the Drive-Thru
In a lighter segment, Kelly shares a simple recipe formula that encourages listeners to create versatile meals with pantry staples:
Kelly [30:08]: "It's the pasta, protein, veggie combination I've talked about in my stories. But I make this all the time. It's any noodle, butter and garlic salt as your base, add parmesan cheese if you like, then your frozen veggies and protein."
Liz appreciates the practicality of the recipe, highlighting its adaptability for busy families.
Personal Updates and Relationships
Towards the end of the episode, Kelly and Liz offer personal updates, discussing their children's antics and their own journeys with breastfeeding and weaning. This heartfelt conversation reinforces the authenticity and relatability that listeners cherish about the podcast.
Kelly [32:47]: "We are going to have such different journeys coming up, and I just want to say that I'm really proud of you."
Conclusion
Wrapping up, Kelly and Liz reaffirm their bond as sisters, business partners, and best friends, inviting listeners to join them in future episodes:
Liz [33:34]: "Thank you so much for listening to the Carpool podcast and we'll talk to you next time."
The episode underscores the sisters' dedication to providing entertaining and insightful conversations, balancing professional topics with personal anecdotes.
Notable Quotes:
- "I now have a new dream that I want my audio to go viral and be a viral sound." — Liz [01:25]
- "I just believe in them." — Kelly [04:03]
- "I'm committing to liking every day in the life that uses that audio." — Kelly [02:14]
- "Hair is so much more than what you see on the surface. It's a reflection of what's happening inside." — Nutrafol Ad [17:40]
Timestamp Highlights:
- 01:14 - Discussion on podcast banter and past episodes.
- 03:26 - Skechers' potential resurgence in the market.
- 06:57 - Liz announces her decision to take a photography class.
- 10:58 - Breakdown of the Poppy vending machine controversy.
- 21:35 - Analysis of the 2026 Hyundai Palisade redesign.
- 25:14 - Impact of Stellantis' Super Bowl commercial.
Listeners tuning in to this episode can expect a blend of personal growth stories, candid discussions on marketing and industry trends, practical advice, and the warm camaraderie that makes The Carpool Podcast with Kelly and Liz a staple for millennial moms and auto enthusiasts alike.